Adventures in Paradise Volume 2 #59

Kia ora! Our excellent adventure continues with some thoughts on the power found in one person’s actions.  There is a beautifully pristine beach on the south island of New Zealand. For many years the Abel Tasman Beach was privately owned by a wealthy Kiwi family. The family, knowing what a treasure this was to the South Islanders, allowed the public complete access, provided the area was treated respectfully. One day, several months ago, word reached the residents that the beach was to be sold and that the most likely buyer was a private land development company. The as yet unnamed organization hinted that this playground would no longer be open to the public and in fact, might be in line for some sort of holiday destination development.

Duane Major, a young and unassuming “tree-hugger” was stunned by the announcement. He realized that once private development took possession, the beach would change and so would any opportunity for the ordinary person to enjoy all that it had to offer. Duane off-handedly joked to his brother-in-law, Adam Gard’ner, that to avoid the looming disaster, maybe they should buy the beach! Their outlandish plan would include a grass roots campaign to solicit donations from other Kiwis who felt the same way about the beach as they did. The idea was to suggest that individuals could make a difference by donating any amount of money that they were able. There would be no contribution that would be too small to be helpful and if New Zealanders, one person at a time, could contribute, there just might be a way to preserve the land for the future. As the idea took shape, the two men assured the donors that if successful, their plan was to deed the beach to the Nation Park system as part of a land trust agreement, thus providing permanent access to all future visitors.

How crazy was it to think that one man, with no previous fundraising experience could, by relying on others, one person at a time and one contribution at a time, create enough public interest to compete with a corporate giant having deep pockets? How indeed? The first efforts of the two young men were somewhat comical and often tongue-in-cheek as their initial publicity offerings were stick figures drawn with markers on salvaged cardboard. The stick figure spokesmen caught on and suddenly the pledges started rolling in. Duane said that he was almost the most surprised of anyone as the campaign seemed to take on a life of its own. Finally, and in the eleventh hour, an unnamed donor came to the rescue and pledged the remaining funds that were needed and an offer was tendered to the family.

Last Tuesday morning, as the whole country turned on the news, we saw two young men in t-shirts waiting nervously to hear the decision of the family concerning the offers that had been broached. Each man’s shirt bore a silk- screen-printed photo of the Abel Tasman Beach and each of their two faces registered the stress of waiting for an answer. At eight-thirty sharp, the newsroom exploded with the decision. Duane and Adam had bought a beach! By evening, almost every front-page in New Zealand showed two grinning young men in t-shirts looking out of photos that carried the caption, “ We Bought a Beach!” In all of the ensuing interviews, mention was made continuously of the difference that one person can make and the effect that it can have on so many others.

As I have thought about the events of this week concerning the beach, I have found myself focusing on all of the people who have made a difference in my life, one person at a time and I am beyond grateful.  I only had one mother and I am so grateful for her love and unfaltering support. I only had one father and I will never underestimate the role that he played in my life. My parents were not rich or famous; far from it, but the influence they had in my life was proof of the power of one. In a particularly difficult phase of my life a decade or so ago, I found myself buoyed up by one person at a time who would leave a note or a card of encouragement and love in my mailbox. For three years, I taped those notes to the inside of a cupboard. Every time that I opened that door, I felt a rush of love and support from those thoughtful messages. Those who thought of me at that time, may have wondered if one note from one person could possibly make a difference in my life and I am here to say that it made a bigger difference that anyone could imagine. There were days when that one note saved me and I cannot express how grateful I am to this day for that thoughtfulness. My spirits were lifted by one person at a time and it made a difference.

Ward could tell much the same sort of story. When his wife, Judy was so ill, he and his family were supported and loved often by one person at a time and they still speak fondly of those who were so thoughtful and supportive. I am certain that many of those friends and family who dropped by for a visit or who may have left a meal, a hug, a card or a treat did not fully appreciate how much it meant to the Bellistons to have been remembered. Long after the suffering has subsided, the memory of a single kind gesture lingers on. It is again, the power of one. 

So, since most of us will not be purchasing any beaches in the near future, we will have to be content with appreciating the good that we can do for others as we remember that one person can make a big difference. One smile may save the day for someone. A phone call could come at the exact perfect moment. If those latest cookies you baked are not perfect share them with someone anyway. Often it truly is the thought that counts and long after the receiver forgets that the treat wasn’t perfect, they will remember that you were perfectly thoughtful. And we all being who we are, will make a difference for someone else, I promise!

As always, we are happy and trying to work hard. We so appreciate all of you and the individual differences you have made in our lives. We have learned so much from you and have been the recipients of  much thoughtfulness over the years. If any of you cannot imagine where you have made a difference, we would be more than happy to share our thoughts with you. Just ask.

Love, Susan and Ward       Elder and Sister Belliston, serving in Gisborne, New Zealand

Beautiful Abel Tasman Beach

Duane (left) and Adam celebrating on "Their" beach.